Howard is a tenured professor in the Legal Studies Department at Utah Valley University and has worked at the law office of Wasatch Lawyers, Bartholomew & Associates since 2007. She received her law degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree from BYU.

Howard’s appointment is subject to certification by the Utah Judicial Council and completion of the court’s new judge orientation.

Stoney spent time on the bench in Saratoga Springs and West Valley City and met with controversy in both cities after allegations against him led to reprimands from the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission. Stoney announced that he would retire in September after he struck a deal with the commission that he would retire if any pending complaints against him were dropped.

Clint Gilmore took over the vacancy left by Stoney's retirement in West Valley City.